UFC 142 Preview & Predictions: Edson Barboza vs. Terry Etim

Barboza takes an undefeated record in the cage. After honing his skills in regional promotions around the United States, Barboza took his skills to the UFC. He TKO’d Mike Lullo in his debut at UFC 123, and followed that up with decision wins over Anthony Njokuani and Ross Pearson. He’s just 25 years old, but leads the way in a crop of future lightweight title contenders.

Terry Etim is in that same group of future contenders. Etim is also 25 years old, which makes the fact that he’s been in the Octagon since UFC 70 all the more impressive. He’s a fantastic submission artist, as illustrated in his UFC 138 win over Edward Faaloloto, where Etim sunk in a deep guillotine choke and scored the win in just 17 seconds. Twelve of Etim’s fifteen wins have come by submission.

This is a classic striker vs. submission artist matchup. Barboza has a significant edge on the feet, while Etim holds the same advantage on the ground. Barboza should look to use plenty of leg kicks early in an attempt to tire Etim out and take him out of his game. Etim will try to close the distance with Barboza and eventually latch onto him for submission attempts.

No matter how you slice it, this should be one hell of a fight. I think Etim will avoid the striking game with Barboza at all costs, leading to a submission win in the first or second round.